Cyclists International mourns member

Cyclists International member Joe Ciavola passed away peacefully at on Wednesday at the Austin Hospital. Ciavola was battling against complications related to recent surgery and a liver transplant performed eight years ago.

A member of Cyclists International since shortly after its formation in 1973, Ciavola was a tireless worker for cycling after a distinguished career on the bike. He was Cyclists International's promoter and instrumental in bringing some of the world's top cyclists to the events.

Ciavola relinquished his role as vice-president when he was elected president of CycleSport Victoria in 1997, and it was largely his work in that new role that helped put Victorian Cycling back on its feet financially.

It was in recognition of that work that the new velodrome at the Darebin International Sports Complex was named in his honour. Ciavola was also inducted into the Victorian Cycling Hall of Fame in 2006.

Cyclingnews extends sincere condolences to Ciavola's wife Kerry and family.

(Additional editorial assistance by Susan Westemeyer and Monika Prell.)